Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 4th August 2024 - UPSC MCQ

Statement-I correctly describes the origin and purpose of the Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in the Jammu and Kashmir region, formerly known as Village Defence Committees (VDCs), established in 1995 to provide local defense against terrorist activities.
Statement-II accurately highlights the operational structure and functions of the VDGs, emphasizing their role under the direction of the SP/SSP of the district concerned, and their responsibilities in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and community mobilization to combat terrorism effectively.
Both statements are factually correct and logically connected, with Statement-II explaining the operational aspect that complements the establishment and purpose described in Statement-I. Thus, option (a) is the correct choice.

The susceptibility of the Wayanad district in Kerala to landslides is primarily attributed to a combination of heavy rainfall in the region and its geological characteristics. The area's heavy rainfall combined with the slope of the Western Ghats has made 31.54% of the district highly susceptible to landslides, according to the Geological Survey of India. These factors contribute significantly to the heightened risk of landslides in the region.

1. Village Defence Guards (VDGs) - Community-based security groups established in 1995 in Jammu and Kashmir. This pair is correctly matched. The VDGs, formerly known as Village Defence Committees (VDCs), were indeed established in 1995 to provide local defense against terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

2. Intelligence Gathering by VDGs - Collection and sharing of vital information with security forces. This pair is correctly matched. VDGs are tasked with gathering and sharing intelligence with security forces, aiding in preemptive actions against potential threats.

3. VDCs Temporary Discontinuation - Due to resource constraints. This pair is incorrectly matched. The VDCs faced temporary discontinuation not primarily due to resource constraints but due to allegations of misuse of power by VDG members, including crimes such as abduction and rape.

4. International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) - Held every two years. This pair is incorrectly matched. The ICAE is held every three years, not every two years.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched, making the correct option Option B: Only two pairs.

Statement-I correctly highlights the role of heavy rainfall in making a significant portion of the Wayanad district highly susceptible to landslides. Statement-II complements this by explaining that alongside heavy rainfall, increasing construction activities and changes in crop patterns like deforestation and monocropping have further heightened the risk of landslides. Therefore, both statements are accurate, and Statement-II logically supplements Statement-I by providing additional factors contributing to the landslide risks in Wayanad.

- Statement 1: The reduction in forest cover and the increase in plantation areas have indeed led to a loosening of the topsoil, as forests traditionally help in soil stabilization through their root systems. Hence, this statement is correct.

- Statement 2: Climate change, particularly the warming of the Arabian Sea, has led to the formation of deep cloud systems, resulting in extremely heavy rainfall over shorter periods. This change in rainfall patterns has been a contributing factor to landslides. Hence, this statement is correct.

- Statement 3: The Gadgil panel report of 2011 did recommend that the entire region of the Western Ghats, which includes Wayanad, be declared an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) to prevent further environmental degradation. Hence, this statement is correct.

All three statements are accurate, making Option D: 1, 2 and 3 the correct answer.

The primary purpose of Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in the Jammu and Kashmir region is to enhance local security by providing immediate defense against terrorist threats. These groups play a crucial role in supporting formal law enforcement agencies, gathering intelligence, and maintaining peace in their respective areas.

- Statement 1 is correct. Village Defence Guards, previously known as Village Defence Committees (VDCs), were established in the mid-1990s in response to the rising militancy in the Jammu region, particularly after the massacre in Kishtwar in 1993.
- Statement 2 is correct. The primary purpose of VDGs is indeed to support law enforcement agencies by gathering intelligence and maintaining local security.
- Statement 3 is incorrect. VDGs function under the direction of the SP/SSP of the district concerned, not under local Gram Panchayats.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Statement 1 is correct: BBSSL was indeed set up under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The initial paid-up capital of BBSSL is Rs. 250 Cr with a contribution of Rs. 50 Cr each by the five promoters, not Rs. 500 Cr.

Statement 3 is correct: One of the main functions of BBSSL is to undertake production, procurement, and distribution of quality seeds to improve crop yield.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

The primary objective behind the establishment of Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) is to undertake production, procurement, and distribution of quality seeds under a single brand through a network of cooperatives. This initiative aims to improve crop yield, enhance seed replacement rates, and develop a system for preservation and promotion of indigenous natural seeds. By focusing on various aspects of seed production and distribution, BBSSL plays a crucial role in the agricultural sector, particularly in ensuring farmers' involvement in producing certified seeds.

1. Slope stabilisation: Involves adding structural elements to the slope to increase its stability. This pair is incorrectly matched. The correct description for this technique involves structural elements, not just materials.

2. Vegetation control: Planting trees, shrubs, or grasses to stabilise the soil. This pair is correctly matched. Vegetation control indeed involves planting to stabilise the soil and reduce erosion.

3. Grading and terracing: Modifying the slope's shape and gradient to reduce water flow. This pair is incorrectly matched. Grading and terracing reduce the risk of landslides by modifying the slope's shape and gradient, not specifically to reduce water flow.

4. Soil reinforcement: Involves adding materials to the slope to increase its strength and stability. This pair is correctly matched. Soil reinforcement does involve adding various materials to improve slope stability.

So, pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched.